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From contemporary dramas to post-apocalyptic horrors to future-set thrillers, television is great at exploring darkness, despair and destruction.

Sometimes you just need a feel-good TV series that makes you happy and reminds you of all the good things in life.

With today being International Day Of Happiness – a global campaign to create happiness in the world around us – the only shows you should be watching are those that put a permanent smile on your face.

Here’s a mix of old faves and current gems that will do just that.

Friends

The fashion, the hair, the endlessly quotable one-liners; no show epitomises the 90s quite like Friends.

Nearly a quarter of a century since the first episode premiered and it’s still one of the best-loved American sit-coms.

No matter what’s going on in the world, Friends will always be there for you.

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The Good Place

Michael Schur’s fantasy comedy sees Kristen Bell’s Eleanor Shellstrop wake up in the heavenly Good Place, only to realise she’s been sent there by mistake.

The ensemble cast is superb, with Ted Danson delivering his best performance since Cheers.

It’s the funniest, most heart-warming show to come out of 2016/17.

That ’70s Show

Some of the best sitcoms are those with a hefty dose of nostalgia, and That ‘70s show is a serious blast from the past.

Centred around six teenage friends coming of age in a fictional Wisconsin suburbia, the show set the likes of Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis on the road to stardom.

With its retro fashion, groovy music and fresh-faced cast, it’s always fun returning to Point Place.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

‘Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down…’

Just those opening lyrics are enough to make any 90s kid silence the room and start singing along.

The show, which stars Will Smith as a street-smart teen who goes to live with his highfalutin aunt and uncle, might look a little dated but the jokes never get old.

It’s pure comedy gold.

The Office

While the US adaptation starring Steve Carell is great, nothing beats the original British version starring Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook.

Narcissistic David Brent is an iconic character in his own right, but it’s the smart and funny writing that makes the mockumentary one of Britain’s best-loved sitcoms.

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Crazy-Ex Girlfriend

Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna’s musical comedy drama is far-reaching in the themes it explores, delving into everything from relationships to mental health and family dynamics.

Yet, even at its most emotional and eccentric, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend never fails to drop in hilarious, self-aware witticisms, delivered with perfect comic timing by Bloom.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

(Picture: Patrick McElhenney/FXX Networks)

With a thirteenth and fourteenth season in the pipeline, It’s Always Sunny shows no sign of ending any time soon.

Which is just as well, because it continues to entertain with its gallows humour and controversial characters.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newbie just discovering the delights of Paddy’s Pub, you’re guaranteed laughs when you binge-watch this show.